The best time to install a heat pump in Kent and the South East is in spring or summer, roughly April to September. You won’t need your heating much during those months, so a few days without it won’t matter. Installers also tend to have more availability, and your new system can be tested and fine tuned well before the first cold snap.
That said, the right time also depends on your circumstances. An ageing boiler, a home renovation, a house move or a change in grant funding can all make now the smartest moment to switch.
At Guscott Heating, we install air source heat pumps in homes across Kent and the South East all year round, from Maidstone and Canterbury to Tunbridge Wells, Bromley and Brighton. In this guide we explain how each season compares, what to watch for with grants and energy prices, and how to plan your installation so it goes smoothly.
When Is the Best Time to Install a Heat Pump in Kent and the South East?
The best time to install a heat pump in Kent and the South East is late spring through summer, when the weather is mild and you can manage without central heating for a few days. Here is how each season compares.
| Season | Months | How good a time to install? | Why |
| Spring | March to May | Very good | Mild weather, shorter waiting lists, plenty of time to settle in before winter |
| Summer | June to August | Best | Heating not needed, dry weather for outdoor work, longest daylight hours |
| Autumn | September to November | Good, book early | Demand rises sharply as the weather cools, so diaries fill quickly |
| Winter | December to February | Possible with planning | Fine for planned swaps, but you may need temporary heaters for a day or two |
Spring Installation
Spring is a great time to install a heat pump because the worst of the cold has passed and most installers have more free dates than in autumn. It also gives you a full summer to get used to your new controls and your heat pump’s hot water schedule.
Summer Installation
Summer is usually the best time of all. In Kent, average July highs are around 22°C to 23°C, so you will barely notice the heating being off. Long, dry days also make it easier to place the outdoor unit, lay a base and run pipes outside.
Autumn Installation
Autumn works well if you book early. From September onwards, many homeowners realise their boiler is on its last legs, and demand for surveys climbs quickly. Booking a survey in July or August secures an autumn slot before the rush.
Winter Installation
Winter installs are perfectly possible, and we fit heat pumps every winter across Kent and Sussex. It just takes a little more planning to keep you warm on the days the system is changed over.
Guscott Heating provides air source heat pump installation across Kent and the wider South East of England, including Ashford, Sevenoaks, Medway, Dartford, Folkestone, Crawley and Guildford. Get in touch today for a free estimate tailored to your location.
Why Are Spring and Summer the Best Times to Install a Heat Pump?
Spring and summer are the best times to install a heat pump because there is less disruption, more installer availability and better weather for outdoor work. Here are the main reasons in more detail.
Little or No Disruption to Your Heating
Swapping a boiler for a heat pump usually means 2 to 5 days of work. In June, that barely registers. In January, it can mean chilly evenings, so warmer months make the switch far more comfortable, especially for families with young children or elderly relatives.
More Choice of Installation Dates
Demand for heating work peaks in autumn and winter, when boilers break down most often. Booking in spring or summer gives you a wider choice of dates and a quicker start.
Easier Outdoor Work
The outdoor unit needs a firm, level base and sometimes new pipe runs along the outside of your home. Dry ground and long daylight hours make that work quicker and tidier, whether it is a terrace in Gillingham or a detached house in the Weald.
Time to Fine Tune Your System
A heat pump runs differently from a boiler. It works best running gently for longer, rather than blasting heat for short bursts. Installing in the warmer months gives you time to learn the controls and check the hot water settings. Your installer can also adjust the weather compensation settings before winter puts the system to the test.
Radiator Upgrades Without the Rush
Many homes need a few larger radiators to get the most from a heat pump. Swapping them in summer means rooms can be redecorated in comfort, with no pressure to get the heat back on that evening.
Can You Install a Heat Pump in Winter?
Yes, you can install a heat pump in winter, and many homeowners in Kent and the South East do. Heat pumps are built to work in cold weather, and a good installer can keep the time you are without heating very short.
How We Keep Winter Installs Comfortable
- We fit the outdoor unit, cylinder and pipework first while your old boiler keeps running.
- The final changeover usually takes just 1 to 2 days.
- We can lend or recommend temporary electric heaters for the changeover days if needed.
- Hot water is often only off for a few hours, as an immersion heater can cover the gap once the new cylinder is in.
When a Winter Install Makes Sense
Winter is the right time if your boiler has failed or is unsafe, if your oil tank is nearly empty and you would rather not refill it, or if you have a grant voucher that is about to expire. Kent has some of the mildest winters in the UK, so most installation days are well above freezing.
Heat Pumps Work Well in the Cold
Modern air source heat pumps keep heating homes in outdoor temperatures as low as minus 15°C to minus 20°C. Norway, Sweden and Finland are among the countries with the most heat pumps per household in Europe, which shows how well they cope with real cold.
When Is the Best Time to Switch to a Heat Pump?
The best time to switch to a heat pump is often set by what is happening in your home, not just the calendar. These are the moments when switching makes the most sense.
When Your Boiler Is 10 to 15 Years Old
Most gas and oil boilers last around 10 to 15 years. If yours is getting close to that age, start planning now rather than waiting for it to break down. Around 1.7 million boilers are replaced in the UK each year, and most of those swaps are rushed jobs after a breakdown, with no time to weigh up a heat pump.
When You Are Renovating or Extending
An extension, loft conversion or full refurbishment is a perfect moment to switch. Floors may already be up for underfloor heating, rooms are being redecorated and new insulation will help the heat pump run even more efficiently.
When You Move Home
The weeks between completion and moving in are ideal, especially for buyers in places like Tonbridge, Whitstable or Horsham. The house is empty, so the installation is quicker and causes no disruption to daily life.
When You Add Solar Panels or a Battery
Installing solar panels at the same time, or soon after, lets your heat pump run on your own free electricity during the day. It also means one round of scaffolding and paperwork instead of two.
When You Are Off the Gas Grid
Thousands of rural homes across the Kent Downs, the Weald and East Sussex rely on oil or LPG. These are usually the homes that save the most by switching, and the best time is before your next costly tank refill.
When You Are a Landlord Planning EPC Upgrades
Private rented homes in England currently need an EPC rating of E or above, and the government plans to raise this to C by 2030. Landlords who upgrade between tenancies avoid disturbing tenants and spread costs ahead of the deadline. They can claim the same £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant as homeowners.
How Do Grants and Energy Prices Influence When to Install a Heat Pump?
Grants and energy prices can make a significant difference to the cost of installing and running a heat pump. With government funding and 0% VAT currently available, switching to a heat pump can be more affordable than it has been in recent years.
The £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme gives homeowners and landlords in England and Wales £7,500 off an air source heat pump. Your MCS certified installer applies for it, and the money comes straight off your quote. Since May 2024, you no longer need to fix loft or cavity wall insulation first to qualify, which has opened the grant to many more Kent homes. Funding is set in yearly budgets, so it makes sense to apply while it is available rather than assume it will last forever.
0% VAT on Heat Pump Installations
Heat pump installations in Great Britain currently pay 0% VAT instead of 20%. This relief is set to run until 31 March 2027. On a £14,000 installation, that is a saving of around £2,800 compared with paying full VAT.
Energy Price Changes
Ofgem reviews the energy price cap every three months, in January, April, July and October. Since electricity costs more per unit than gas, the gap between the two affects your savings. The government has said it wants to bring electricity prices down by moving some levies off electricity bills, which would make heat pumps even cheaper to run.
Heat Pump Tariffs
Several energy suppliers now offer special tariffs for heat pump owners, with cheaper electricity at certain times of day. Switching to one as soon as your heat pump is fitted can cut your running costs noticeably.
How Far Ahead Should You Plan a Heat Pump Installation?
You should plan a heat pump installation around 4 to 8 weeks ahead, as the survey, design and grant steps all take time. If you want a heat pump running before winter, getting in touch by early summer is a sensible target. This is how the process usually runs:
- Free estimate and home survey (week 1 to 2): An engineer visits your home, measures each room and checks where the outdoor unit and hot water cylinder can go.
- Heat loss calculation and system design (week 2 to 3): We work out exactly how much heat your home needs, choose the right size of heat pump and decide which radiators need upgrading.
- Quote and grant application (week 3 to 5): Once you accept the quote, we apply to Ofgem for your £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme voucher. A voucher for an air source heat pump is valid for 3 months.
- Installation (2 to 5 days): We fit the outdoor unit, cylinder, controls and any new radiators, then commission the system.
- Handover and MCS certificate: We show you how to use your controls and register the installation with MCS, which you need for your warranty and grant.
A heat pump fitted in a hurry after a boiler breakdown can still work well. But planning ahead gives you time to compare options and pick the best date for your household.
What Should You Do Before Your Heat Pump Installation Day?
Before your heat pump installation day, you should clear space for the work, sort any quick insulation wins and plan around the short time your heating will be off. A little preparation keeps the job quick and stress free.
Top Up Your Insulation
Insulation is no longer required for the grant, but it still helps. Topping up loft insulation to around 270mm and fixing draughts lets a smaller, cheaper heat pump do the job and keeps running costs down.
Clear Space for the Hot Water Cylinder
Most heat pumps need a hot water cylinder, usually about the size of a tall fridge. If you had a combi boiler, think about where it could go, such as an airing cupboard, loft or garage.
Plan the Outdoor Unit Location
The outdoor unit needs a clear spot with good airflow, usually at the side or back of the house. In England, the rule that units had to sit at least 1 metre from your boundary was removed in 2025, which helps on narrow plots in towns like Margate, Hastings and Chatham.
Check Planning Rules if Needed
Most installs are permitted development, so no planning permission is needed. Listed buildings, flats and some homes in conservation areas, such as parts of Canterbury, Rye and Tenterden, may need consent, so allow extra time.
Let Your Tenants or Household Know
Landlords should give tenants proper notice of the work. At home, plan around the changeover days, especially if anyone works from home or needs a warm house for health reasons.
Plan Your Air Source Heat Pump Installation With Guscott Heating
Thinking about replacing your existing heating system with an air source heat pump? Guscott Heating can help you understand the costs, available grant support and installation options before making a decision. Our team will assess your property, discuss your heating requirements and provide a fixed-price estimate without any pressure to proceed.
We carry out air source heat pump installations for homeowners and landlords across Kent and the wider South East of England.
Whether you’re considering a heat pump for your own home or a rental property, we’ll help you understand what’s involved before committing. Get your free air source heat pump estimate today and start planning your move to a new heating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
People also ask about the best time to install a heat pump in relation to prices, house sales, the gas boiler phase out and running costs. Here are quick answers.
Is It Worth Waiting for Heat Pumps to Get Cheaper?
Waiting for heat pumps to get cheaper is rarely worth it. Prices may fall slowly over time, but you would likely lose more in the meantime from higher heating bills and the risk of grants or VAT relief changing. Today, the £7,500 grant and 0% VAT together can take thousands off the cost.
Should I Install a Heat Pump Before Selling My House?
Installing a heat pump before selling can help, as it may improve your EPC rating and appeal to buyers looking for lower running costs. If you plan to sell within a few months, though, the grant and installation timeline may not line up. Talk to your estate agent and installer first.
Do I Need to Install a Heat Pump Before Gas Boilers Are Banned?
No, there is no ban on replacing an existing gas boiler in your home. New build homes are moving to low carbon heating such as heat pumps under the Future Homes Standard. Most homeowners switch when their boiler needs replacing rather than because of a deadline.
Can I Keep My Old Boiler as a Backup?
You cannot keep your old boiler as a backup if you claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant, because the scheme requires the heat pump to fully replace your fossil fuel heating. A correctly sized heat pump does not need a backup, even on the coldest days in Kent.
When Is the Cheapest Time of Day to Run a Heat Pump?
The cheapest time of day to run a heat pump is usually overnight or during off peak periods on a time of use tariff. Many owners heat their hot water cylinder during cheap hours, and pre-warm the house before the evening peak, when electricity often costs the most.